Communication system



, Nov. 9, 1937. H. J. NICHOLS 2,098,305

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Sept. 25, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIEr- \ZATTORN EYS Nov. 9, 1937. H. J. NICHOLS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 3Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 23, 1936 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS HQ J. NICHOLSCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM Filed Sept. 23, 1 36 Nov. 9, 1937.

3 She ets-Sheet s INVENTOR ATTOR N EYS aaaziitts, 1931 UNITED STATES'PATEN I .or-rlca oommmca'rron SYSTEM- llarryl. Nichols,

Binghamton, N. Y., assigns! to IntcrnationalBusiness Machin esCorporation,

New York, N. Y., a. corporation of New York Application September 23,19st, Serial No. "102.112

' 19 Claims. (cl. 184-115) tions arranged in predetermined codedpositions on a record card or the like.

It is a further object to provide a rapid and accurate communicationsystem for use in conjunction with a tabulating card or the like havingdata recorded thereon and adapted to re- Produce the card withcorresponding data at a remote point.

It is a further object to provide novel methods for the transmission andreproduction of any-desired intelligence arranged as above described.

-A further object is to provide a system adapted to the remote controlofcard punching apparatus, and a novel form of such apparatus particularlyadapted to remote control.

Afurthe r obiect is to provide an apparatus for, selecting a desiredgroup or plurality of BI'Oups of such arbitrary indications fortransmission and reproduction.

4 A further object is to provide a novel form of tabulating card feedmechanism.

Other objects and. advantages will be in part obvious and in parthereinafter pointed out in connection with the following description,the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

In the drawings:-

Fig.1 shows a form of record card adapted for main connection with theinvention;

Fig. 2 shows a plan view of an automatic transmitter forming a part ofthe invention, and illustrating the scanning process;

- g. 3 is a side view in part section on line 3--3 .of the transmittershown in Fig. 2;

Fig, 4 is a detailed view-showing a preferred construction of the cardfeed belt of the inven- Fig. 5 shows in somewhat schematic form thescanningv arrangement comprising part of the transmitter of Figs. 2 and3;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the automatic perforator showing the generalarrangement of the card feed mechanism and the drive means therefor;

Fig. I isa side view of the perforator showing further details of thecard feed mechanism, and the arrangement of the p n ng n m;

Fig. 8 shows the general arrangement of the punchfactuating magnets andtheir associated link work, on the line H of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a detailed end view of the rotary contactor arrangement ofFig. 8 showing the relations of cam and contactor elements;

Fig. 10 shows, in schematic forin, the actuating means for the positiveclutch of the perforator Dower drive;

8. ll shows, in schematic form, the electrical circuits of thetransmitter;

Fig. 12 shows, in similar manner, the electrical circuits of therecorder; and

F18. 13 shows in schematic manner the novel arrangement by which anydesired part of the tabular data may be selected for transmission.

The present invention provides for the transmission of intelligence ofany desired sort, but

is arranged more particularly for the transmission of statistical data.For example, the invention provides a system for the transmission andreproduction of any of the types of information commonly contained ontabulating cards and the like. Insuch cards, the statistical informationor data is arranged in the form of arbitrary indi cations codedaccording to their. position on the card. The indications may be-in theform of holes punched into the card,- for example, or of marks ofcontrasting color or reflection characteristics with respect to theremainder of the card. For the purposes of this invention, cards of thisnature will be referred to as record cards with indexed data.

A common form of tabulating card containing 80 columns may be used, andthe card shown as an example in Fig. 1 is a form of record card adaptedto the purposes of the invention, althou h it is to be understood thatrecord cards may have any form suitable to the transaction or data to betransmitted. In the present instance.

a it is supposed that the record card (hereinafter termed the original)is one adapted to record data useful for production control, costaccounting, inventory accounting, and like processes related tomassproduction. Thecards may be. conveniently identified by serial numberscomposed of numerals and signs, and may contain any desired codedinformation as to the article, mate- IfiaL'prOcess, operation ortransaction to which they pertain, coded in the cards by any desiredform of punching machine.

The coded information may be recorded in I various divisions of the cardtermed fields, and

arranged in vertical columns, and in horizontal levels orlines in wellknown manner. The vertical columns provide space for a punched holespaces in which a shift operation is recorded for the designation orprinting of signs, etc., thus providing twelve indications in eachcolumn. A card having 80 columns thus contains 960 coding areas. This ofcourse is described as typical, as any desired number or arrangment ofthe fields etc. of the card may be provided.

The blank space at the head of each column may be utilized for printing,and also provides an underlap interval in the scanning process in Iwhich a synchronizing signal is transmitted. By underlap interval ismeant that interval provided in the scanning process between thescanning of the different columnar fields of the card and during which asynchronizing signal is transmitted. The fields may be blank, or may beprinted to indicate the interpretation of the coded positions, thuspermitting of visual verification.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, a stack of record cards I is shown inposition for automatic positioning and scanning, these steps formingpart of the transmission process. The originals are placed in the hopper2 in a predetermined position, the correct registry of the cards beingfacilitated by the diagonally clipped upper left' corner of the recordcard or other non-regular feature. A pair of spaced feed belts 3 drivenby motor 5, with suitable transmission means therebetween, remove thecards one at a time from the bottom of the stack, and advance each cardto the scanning position. Feed belts 3 are preferably constructed ofmetal strips of predetermined length overlapped at the ends and joinedto form a continuous belt. The outer edge of the overlap (see Fig. 4)provides an edge of suitable thickness to engage only one card from thestack, thus insuring single draw-out of the cards. Each belt is providedwith holes for engagement with the teeth of the drive sprockets, andwith guide projections 3g which guide the edges of the card.

Feed belts 2 are driven by feed sprockets 4 fixed to shaft 8, which inturn are intermittently driven by cam disk 1 operating on spur gear 6,likewise fixed to shaft 8. Cam disk I, which is firmly mounted on driveshaft 5' of drive motor 5, is provided with one transfer tooth by whichit advances gear 6 one tooth pitch during a short arc of its revolution.Gear 6 preferably has the same number of teeth as there are verticalcolumn units in the card interval (say 90 column units). Hence drivemotor 5 makes 90 revolutions for each revolution of feed sprocket lwhich in turn advances feed belt 3 one card interval, 1. e., the lengthof a card plus the space between cards. Drive shaft 5' also carriesfixedly mounted thereon pinion 21 which in turn drives gear 28 fixed tocounter shaft 25. Scanning sprocket l0, fixedly mounted on counter shaft25, drives scanning belt ll provided with notches along each edgeadapted to engage with a double row of teeth on scanning sprocket l0.Scanning belt II is stretched taut between scanning sprocket ll andidler sprocket l0. Scanning belt II is also provided with equallyspaced-scanning slits ils, the slit spacing being slightly greater thanthe width of a record card, thus providing an "underlap interval in thescanning process.

The feed belts and scanning belt are so coordinated by the drivearrangement described that in the "underlap interval betweencrossscannings of the record card, the record card is advanced along itslength one column unit. The design of the gear trains, the diameters ofthe sprockets, and other design factors are so chosen that successivevertical columns of a record card are accurately positioned over thescanning slot 208 in table 20 each time a scanning slit lis traversesthe record card during the scanning process. It is to be noted that thefeed and scanning systems are positively related, so that once beingestablished, the proper registry conditions are maintained indefinitely.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 5, a light source It is mounted in hood itover scanning belt II by suitable mounting means not shown. A condenserprism i2 is positioned between light source I4 and scanning belt il insuch relation as to focus the light upon the path of the scanning slitsHe, thus a narrow strip of light moves along scanning slot 203 as eachscanning slit makes its traverse. Mounted below table 22 of thetransmitter is a light responsive device 2|, preferably a photoelectrictube or cell of elongated form, the length of the cathode thereof beingsufficient to extend beyond the ends of the scanning slot 22. Photocell2| is housed in hood 22 to exclude extraneous light. The record cardsare moved over the scanning slot 20s during the scanning process aspreviously described, and when a scanning slit [is comes into incidencewith a punched hole, light from light source H is momentarily projectedon the light reactive surface of photo-cell 2i, causing a momentarilyincreased current fiow therein in well understood manner. .The lightfiashes on photo-cell 2| generate electric signal impulses by meanspresently to be described.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 'I, there is shown the mechanism of theautomatic card punching machine, termed the perforator or recorder.Drive motor Iii, of substantially uniform speed characteristics, andpreferably of the same speed as motor 5 at the transmitter, drives driveshaft 20 upon which the phase corrector mechanism II is mounted. SleeveII, the driven member of the phase corrector, is rotatable forcorrection purposes by the phase corrector in relation to drive shaft30'. Clutch 2!, ofany desired type, but preferably positive in action,couples sleeve 25' to auxiliary shaft "a under the control of clutchmagnet M2. (See Fig. 10). Auxiliary shaft 250 carries cam disk 1 andalso cams II to inclusive, of rotary contactor ll, one for each of thetwelve punch units, and three associated with the synchronizingfunction, making fifteen in all. The rotary contactor assembly ll isequivalent to a rotary distributor of the type commonly used in printingtelegraph apparatus. and such rotary distributors or other means havinga similar function may be used in lieu of the rotary contactor assemblyshown. The cams ll, etc. have a single rise which closes paired contacts4i, etc. when in engagement therewith. The rises are staggered in aspiral configuration so that one revolution of auxiliary shaft Ilacloses each of the contact pairs in sequence. A slight underlap intervalintervenes between the closing of each pair of contacts, thus providinga synchronizing and selecting margin.

The recorder is provided with a card hopper '2, in which a supply ofunpunched cards or blanks 6|, preferably identical with the cards inwhich the original data was recorded, are stacked. A feed belt 63 isdriven by sprocket II, which in turn is driven intermittently by gear '8and cam disk 61, the latter being driven by auxiliary shaft 350. Theconstruction, size, arrangement and operation of the card feed mechanismat the recorder is preferably identical with that at the transmitter.Since the blanks correspond in aoaasos card feedrequirements at thetransmitter andv recorder are the same. At the recorder a punchingmechanism replaces the scanning mechanism at the transmitter, and byproper coordination of the two mechanisms, holes are punched in theblank cards in the same positionsthey occupy on the original card; hencean exact duplication of the original is obtained.

Referring to Fig. "l, the punching mechanism comprises a series ofindividually actuated punches II, (in this case if) properly spaced andguided by guide piece It, and mating with suitable holes in die piece I!mounted in table II of the recorder. The punches and holes may be ofround section, or of rectangular section, depending on the type oftabulating equipment for which the cards are intended, being illustratedas rectangular in the present instance to conform with the holes inrecord card I.

The series of punches II are preferably actuated individually byelectromagnetic means, as

for example means comprising a solenoid" operating through link workupon pivotally mounted toggle pair ll, It. link I4 has its lower endpivotally connected to punch II by means of a pin joint Pl; link It hasits upper end pivotally supported by fixed pivot Pl, mounted on bracket62b, and the two links are pivotally joined at knuckle ioint P2. ClevisIt is pivotally connected to P2 in common with links I4 and", and is inturn operatively'connected to the solenoids by connecting rod 11. Thetoggle pair ll.

and II is returned to unoperated position against stop .18 by retractilespring II. The mechanism described is preferably uniform for allpunches.

Because of the narrow spacing of the punch centers, the actuatingsolenoids ll are preferably grouped in a systematic staggeredarrangement such as indicated in Fig. 8. The solenoids are preferablyarranged in three levels or banks. The plungers or armatures 02 of themiddle level of solenoids are preferably connected directly to clevis IIby connecting rod- 11, which may be a separate part or integraltherewith. The upper and lower banks are operatively connected to thetoggle pair 14-15 by suitable link work, as for example, a systemcomprising lever 03, pivoted at fulcrum P4, and pivotally connected toplunger 82 and connecting rod 11 by pin joints PI and PI respectively.The figure shows two magnets in each bank, the position of the remainingmagnets being indicated.

Theoperation of the punching mechanism is as followsz-The solenoid 8|,upon being energized, attracts its plunger 82, which reciprocatesconnecting rod 11 (either directly or by means of lever 83)straightening toggle pair II, II which exert a downward thrust on punchH in well understood manner. After release of the magnetic pull,retractile spring is restores the toggle to position against stop It.The card 6| is thus punched at a position depending upon which one ofthe punches is operated. The solenoids II are selectively energized inaccordance with the printing signals. sent from the transmitter by meansof rotary contactor 40 its will be more fully described hereinafter. I

Referring now to Figs, 3 and 11, the.transmission offsynchronizing andprinting signals is accomplished in the following manner. The printingsignal generating means has for its main elements light source ll, alight reactive device or photo-cell 2|, scanning belt II, a record cardI,

and an electronic relay Tl controlled by photocell II. The synchronizingsignal generating means has for its main elements cam Ill mount ed onthe drive shaft I (or otherwise coordinated in motion with scanning beltll), contacts Ill operatively associated with cam I00, and electronicrelay Tl controllable thereby. Cam I is relation to the movement of thescanning belt that the scanning belt is in the underlap portion of itscycle. Contacts III preferably are notclosed during the entire underlapinterval, but only during a portion thereof.

The signal transmission circuit has as its main elements power source orbattery B, electronic relay Tl, line transformer Trl, and cut-off relayLl. light reactive device Ill and shunting switch x are associated withthe selection of columns or fields from which data is to be transmitted,which feature will be described hereinafter. Relay L2 and associatedcard switches X2 and X! are associated with the control of thephoto-cell 2| during intervals when a card is not in position over thescanning slot. Relay L3 and associated card switches XI and X4 areassociated with the control of the sending of synchronizing signals,both in connection with establishing synchronism of the recorder, and toprovide automatic termination of the feed of blanks at the recorder whenthe last card of a batch of original cards has been run through thetrans- -mitter.

sistance is fairly high facilitating its application to the function ofcontrolling electronic relay Tl While electronic relay Tl may be ofvarious types, the preferred form is a gaseous triode comprising a hotcathode, control 'grid and anode or plate all mounted in a sealed glassenvelope containing an atmosphere of gas or vapor. 'Iriodes of this typeprovide the advantages of ease of control, large current carryingcapacity, quick ionization anddeionization, and a high ratio of powercontrolled to control power. As is well understood, the grid of thetypical gaseous triode can initiate ionization, but thereafter losescontrol and some means for reducing the anode voltage below thedeio'nization potential must be employed to assist the grid interminating the ionization current. Such, means is -represented bycut-off relay Ll. InFig. l1 capacitor Cl serves under normal conditionsto hold the grid of TI at cathode potential, while resistors RI and R3serve to limit the grid current to safe the solenoids ll described inconnection with Figs. 7 and 8. The magnets named are each in branchplate-circuits of T2, the ionization current being interrupted at therotary contactors or by a cut-off relay similar to Ll of Fig. 11, ifdesired. Battery B2 holds the grid of T2 at a potential below the trippoint. Cam switch X operated in accordance with the position of the feedbelt 63 and card switch X0 located so that it is operated by the card asit approaches the punch position and in a position generallycorresponding to that of switch Xi at the transmitter, serve to causeregistration of the first blank card in proper position to obtainplacement of the punched holes in the proper columns, and to provide forrun-out of the final card on which recording has been accomplished.Resistor R2 is a grid-current suppressor resistor to limit the gridcurrent 0!,12. The nature and function or the various elements of thesignalling and control circuits of the transmitter and duplicator willbe more fully disclosed in connection with the description of theoperation of these circuits.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 11, transmission of signals is efiected asiollowsz-Assunm that power is turned on the transmitter, and that thefeed belt and scanning belt are in motion at the proper speed. In thiscondition, which may be termed the standby condition, electronic relayTI is supplied with operating potentials but remains non-ionized byreason of Cl holding the grid at a bias low enough to preventionization. Assuming now that a stack of original cards bearing tabulardata is placed in the feed hopper. feed belt I advances the bottom carduntil the card passes between the contacts of card switch XI (see Fig.11) whereupon the circuit through relay L0 is broken permitting contactsI03 to close as indicated. A circuit is thus partialLy established frompositive battery via contacts ill and conductor I04 to contacts "I andthence to the grid of TI. When contacts i0i are closed by the furtherrotation of cam I00 (mounted on shaft 5') positive potential is appliedto the grid of TI, ionizing same. A pulse of current through TI and theplate circuit thereof, through the primary of line transformer Tri, andthe winding of cut-oi! relay Li, transmits a signal impulse to the line,the pulse being terminated by the opening of the contacts of relay Llwhose action is timed to open the circuit at the proper time to producea signal impulse of desired predetermined duration. The signal impulseinitiated by the action of cam I00, repeated each time scanning belt I Ireaches a predetermined phase position, constitutes the periodicsynchronizing signals. Synchronizing signals are transmitted so long asthe contacts of either card switch XI or K4 are held open by the passageof a card. As shown. switch Xi islocated so,that it is operated by theforward edge of the card before the card reaches the scanning slot, andswitch Xl in series therewith is located beyond the scanning slot sothat it remains operated until the trailing edge of the card has passedbeyond the scanning position. Hence synchronizing signals are sent untilafter the last card in the stack has travelled beyond the scanning slot20:.

When a card approaches the scanning slot 208, it opens the contactsfirst of card switch X2 and then of XI which are connected in parallel.The opening of the latter contacts breaks the circuit through thewinding of relay L2, whose contacts III are released and closethemselves, thereby establishing a circuit from positive battery viacell.

contacts ill and conductor it! through photocell II to the grid of Ti.It should be noted that photo-cell II is not made operative until aftera card has covered scanning slot 208, and thereafter, when the scanningslot becomes uncovered by reason of running out of cards, or by reasonof gaps between cards, photo-cell ii is rendered inoperative. Thisprecautionary feature avoids the possibility of false printing signalsbeing transmitted by reason of light passing unobstructed from the lightsource to the photo- When photo-cell 2| is made operative, as a scanningslit ils moves into incidence with a hole in the record card, a beam oflight passes from the light source to the photo-cell, illumihating thelatter. As is well known, the eifect of increased light striking aphoto-cell is to decrease its resistance. Photo-cell 21 is connected ina circuit leading to positive battery, hence, upon the illumination ofphoto-cell 2|, the potential of the grid of T is raised. ElectronicrelayTi is thus tripped, a current pulse is transmitted and terminated bycut-oi! relay Ll as in the previous case, hence the printing signals andsynchronizing signals are of like duration and amplitude. It is to benoted, however, that while the synchronizing signals are periodic, theprinting signals are aperiodic, their occurrence being determined by theposition of the punched holes in the record card.

Referring now to Figs. 6, '7, and 12, the synchronizing and printingsignals are utilized at the recorder in the following mannerz-Assumingthat power has been turned on at the recorder, and that a supply ofblank cards has been placed in hopper 02, the contacts of card switch X6and cam switch X! will be considered as closed, completing a circuitfrom the positive side of battery Bl through the windings of magnet M2,and return via either or both of the switches named to negative battery.Magnet M2 is thus energized, actuating pawl H2 (see Fig. 10) whichreleases clutch stop its causing the clutch jaws to engage and couplepower to the card feed mechanism. The bottom card is thus fed fromhopper 62 and is advanced by feed belt 63 until the card opens thecontacts of card switch X6 as shown in Fig. 12. Cam switch X5 is socoordinated in motion with feed belt 03 that shortly before a cardreachw card switch X8, the contacts oi x5 open. Thus when the card opensthe contacts of xi, the contacts of X5 being also open, clutch magnet M2is deenergized, releasing pawl II! which intercepts the stop pin onclutch 38, disengaging same and uncoupling the power drive. This actioneffects the stopping of rotary contactor 40 in a predetermined registryposition with switch 42 being closed as shown in Fig. 12. Simultaneouslytherewith cam switch H0 stops, and remains in the open circuit positionshown. Also the card is stopped at a predetermined distance from thecenter line of the punches ll. Card switch XI at the transmitter islocated to initiate the sending of synchronizing signals when anoriginal card is at the same predetermined distance from the center lineof scannin slot 200. In this way, a blank card is stopped at the correctregistry position so that upon resumption of feed motion in response tothe'first synchronizing signal from the transmitter, the first blankcard will be moved into position under punches 1| simultaneously withthe positioning of an original card over scanning slot Initialcorresponding alignment of the two cards having thus been secured, thealignment is thereafter and feed maintained automatically by thesynchronizing Thus under the control of the card the rotary distributoris brought into a predetermined position with respect to thesynchronizing operation and the card itself also occupies apredetermined position with respect to the punch mechanism.

When thetlrst synchronizing signal is received at the recorder, relay T2is tripped, energizing clutch magnet M2 and releasing clutch 39. thusapplying power to the card feed, independently of switches XI and X.Following synchronizing signals hold clutch magnet M2 energizedpermitting the card feed to continue in unison with that at thetransmitter. As the blank card moves over the line of punches, printingsignals from the transmitter arrive to trip T2, and the resultingcurrent pulses therethrough are distributed to the punch actuatingmagnets Mt-Ml! in proper timed order to select the punch operationscorresponding with the punched holes of the original. In this way aduplicate card is prepared, reproducing exactly the holes punched in theoriginal. After across the line of punches,

the duplicate is delivered to a receiving pocket not shown.

Should the rotary contactor depart from synehronism with the incomingsynchronizing signals, the synchronizing pulse will be received eitherat the time contacts 4 l are closed or when contacts 43' are closed,depending upon whether the receiving machine is' advanced or retarded inphase with reference to its proper position. If the pulse occurs whencontacts II are closed, corrector magnet MI is energized which thenapplies a corrective action to the rotary contactor in the senserequired to return it to proper synchronous position; corrector magnetM3 operates similarly in response-to a departure from synchronism in theopposite direction and applies corrective action in the opposite sense.Any suitable means for applying the corrective action as controlled bythe two corrector magnets may be used as desired. One form of suchsuitable means for corrective purposes upon reception of thesynchronizing impulses is shown in Patent No. 2,053,091, issued to W. S.Lemmon, in which the solenoids I! and It are equivalent to appllcantsmagnets MI and M3. In any case where a common source of synchronouspower is available at both transmitter and recorder, the correctivemagnets MI and M3 with their associated switch gear may be omitted.Magnet M2 will then control the driving operation of the rotarycontactorv in accordance with the periodic received signals.

Card switches XI and X4 which control the sending of synchronizingsignals from the transmitter. are so spaced that synchronizing signalsare sent continuously so long as a card occupies the scanning positionat 'the transmitter. As the last card passes switch point X4, thesynchronizing signals cease. However, the card at the recorder hasalready passed switch X6 so that this switch is closed and hence clutchmagnet M2 remains energized through these contacts while the card feedcontinues to run out the last duplicate and bring a new blank intoregistry position ready for the following run. As was described inconnection with registry of the initial blank card,

contacts x5 open just as or before a card reaches precisely to theregistry point in preparation for a subsequent operation.

In the foregoing description, it was assumed that data from all columnsof the original would be transmitted. It is sometimes desirable,however, to transmit the data from certain columns only, and means areprovided by the invention for accomplishing such selective transmission.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 13, drive shaft l5 of card feed sprocket 4'carries mounted thereon a column selector wheel ill, which incooperation with light source 4 and photo-cell l2l enables the columnsfrom which data is to be transmitted to be selected at will. Selectorwheel H3 has its periphery divided into as many. angular divisions asthere are column units in the card feed interval (in this case 90).Eighty of these divisions, corresponding to the eighty columns of therecord card, are numbered serially from one to eighty. These numbers aremarked on housing piece 6, which also serves as a retainer member forsegments or interceptors ll'l, one of which is provided for each ofthe'eighty numbered divisions. The remaining divisions. representing thefeed underlap interval, are not used.

Each segment piece is movable for a limited distance in an axialdirection. but by reason of the fit of the .parts and a light pressureexerted by housing 6, will remain in the position to which moved.Selector wheel I II has a polished chamfered rim 3a, preferably cut atan angle of 45 degrees with respect to the axis of the wheel. Thearrangement of light source Ill and photo-cell I2| with respect to thisrim are such that a beam of light from light source H4, being focused onrim l I3a by condenser lens iii, will normally be reflected tophoto-cell i2l. Each segment piece I I1 is preferably provided with asmall hole lllh properly placed so as to' aid in adjustment of theposition of the segment pieces. Access to these adjusting holes isafforded by slots in housing 6 as shown in Fig. 13. Photo-cell l2l ishoused in a suitable hood I22 to prevent extraneous light affecting itsoperation.

The operation of the selector arrangement is as follows:-By reference toan original card, the numbers of the columns which are not to betransmitted are noted, and as the selector wheel is slowly rotated, thecorresponding segment pieces are slid to their extended position bymeans of a small pointed instrument, the remaining segment pieces beingmovedwithin the hous-gg Referring now to Fig. 11, it will be seen that Iupon opening switch X, the final step in making the selectorarrangementeflective, photo-cell i2! is placed in series with photo-cell2i. Because of the high dark resistance of the photo-cells, when placedin series it is necessary to illuminate both photo-cells simultaneouslyin order to trip electronic relay TI. As a consequence, when the columnscorresponding to the extended segment pieces of selector wheel H8 arebeing scanned, photo-cell I2| will not be illuminated, and the scanningof those particular columns will be ineflective to produce or transmitprinting signals irrespective of punch marks therein. In order to obtainfull transmission of the data, a cut-out switch x is provided which inpractice is made readily accessible to the operator for that pur- Doseso that photo-cell III can be readily cut out of the circuit and itsfunction eliminated.

It will be evident that the simple arrangement shown provides greatflexibility and convenience as regards the setting of the transmitterfor selective transmission of data.

While the methods and forms of apparatus herein described constitutepreferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to these precise methods and forms ofapparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing fromthe scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A communication system of the character described for use with atabulating card containing a plurality of columns each having aplurality of positions for indications thereon, means including lightresponsive means for scanning the positions of each column andsuccessive columns, a single communication circuit, means fortransmitting a signal in accordance with the position of each of saidindications over said com- Irinication circuit, a recorder, means iorreceiving said signals, the recorder having a blank card correspondingto said tabulating card. means for moving said blank card intermittentlythrough successive columns, and means controlled in response to saidsignals for reproducing indications on said blank card corresponding tothe respective positions of said indications on said tabulating card.

2. A communication system of the character described which comprises atabulating card having data arranged therein in the form of punches inpredetermined coded positions, means including light responsive meansfor scanning said card, a single communication circuit, means fortransmitting signals indicative of the position or each of said punchesover said communication circuit, a recorder, a blank card at saidrecorder, and means operated in accordance with said signals forproducing on said blank card punches corresponding in position to thoseon said record card.

3. A communication system of the character described which comprises atabulating card having indications arranged thereon in predeterminedcoded positions, a scanning device for scanning said card, means-tortransmitting signals indicative oi the position oi. each of saidindications, means for transmitting signals indicative oi the positionof said scanning device, a recorder, a blank card at said recorder,means controlled in accordance with said second mentioned signals formaintaining said recorder in synchronous operation with said scanningdevice, and means controlled in accordance with said first mentionedsignals for reproducing on said blank card indications corresponding tothose of said tabulating card.

4. A communication system 0! the character described for reproducing anoriginal card having indications thereon comprising scanning means forsaid card, means for feeding said card into scanning position, means fortransmitting signals indicative of the position of said indications andof the position of said original card, a recorder having a blank card,meahs at said recorder for reproducing indications on said blank cardcorresponding to those on said original card in accordance with receivedsignals, means for feeding said blank card into predetermined positionwith respect to said reproducing means, and means controlled in responseto the feeding of said original card for initiatins feed of said blankcard.

5.'A communication system of the character described for reproducing anoriginal card record comprising means for feeding said original card.means for transmitting periodic signals when said card reaches apredetermined position, a recorder having blank cards corresponding tosaid original card, means controlled in response to said periodicsignals for initiating feed 0! said blank card to establishcorresponding position 01' said blank card with said original card.

6. A communication system oi the character described for reproducing anoriginal record card comprising means for feeding said original recordcard, means for transmitting periodic signals when said card reaches apredetermined point, a recorder having a blank card, means ior bringinga blank card into predetermined position in said recorder correspondingto said predetermined point, and means controlled in response to saidperiodic signals for initiating the feeding 0! said blank card toestablish movement of said blank card in corresponding relationship tosaid original card.

'7. A communication system or the character described for reproducing anoriginal record card comprising scanning means for said card, means foradvancing said card toward scanning position, means for transmitting asignal when said card reaches a predetermined point in advance 0! saidscanning position, arecorder having a blank card, means at said recorderfor reproducing the indications on said original card, means for movingsaid blank card toward reproducing position, and means controlled inresponse to said signal for initiating the feeding of said blank cardfrom a position corresponding to said predetermined point, to eflectcorresponding positioning of said blank card with respect to saidoriginal card.

8. A communication system of the character described for reproducing arecord card comprising scanning means for said card, means for feedingsaid card toward a scanning position with respect to said scanningmeans, means for transmitting a signal indicative of a predeterminedposition of said card in advance of said scanning position, and meansrendering said scanning means operative only when said card occupiessaid scanning position.

9. A communication system of the character described for reproducing theindications on a tabulating card or the like comprising means forscanning said tabulating card, means for moving said card toward andinto scanning position with respect to said scanning means, means forsending periodic signals indicative oi the position of said scanningmeans, means for initiating the sending oi said periodic signals whensaid card reaches a predetermined position in advance of scanningposition. v

10. A communication system of the character described for reproducingthe indications on a ing said card toward and into scanning positionwith respect tosaid scanning means, means for sending periodic signalsindicative oi the position of said scanning means, means for initiatingthe card passes to a predetermined position beyond said scanningposition.

' 11. A communication system of the character described for reproducingthe indications on a 5 tabulating card or the like comprising means forscanning said tabulating card, means for moving said card toward andinto scanning position with respect to said scanning means, means forsending periodic signals indicative of. the position of u said scanningmeans, means for initiating the sending of said periodic signals whensaid card reaches a predetermined position in advance of scanningposition, a recorder having a blank card, meansat said recorder forreproducing indicag tions corresponding to those upon said originalcard, means for feeding said blank card into cooperative positioningwith respect to said reproducing means, and means for initiating thefeeding of said blank card in accordance with said no perodic signals.

12. A communication system'ofthe character described for reproducing theindications on a tabulating card or the like comprising means forscanning said tabulating card, means for moving 5 said card toward andinto scanning position with respect to said scanning means, means forsending periodic signal indicative of the position oi said scanningmeans, means for initiating the sending oi saidperiodic signals whensaid card reaches a predetermined position in advance of cooperativepositioning with respect to said reproducing means, means for initiatingthe feeding of said blank card in accordance with said periodic signals,and means controlled in response to said periodic si nals roiregulatingsaid 0 feeding means to maintain said blank card in a positioncorresponding to that of saidtabulating card.

13. A communication system of the character described for reproducing atabulating card or 5 the like having data arranged thereon in the formof indications, the card having a plurality of columns each containing aplurality of positions, comprising means for moving said cardintermittently a distance corresponding to the i spacing of saidcolumns, means for scanning the positions of each column while the cardis stationary in scanning position, means for trans mitting timedsignals corresponding to each movement of the card, and means controlledby said scanning means for transmitting signals intermediate said timedsignals in accordance with the positions of said indications on thecard.

14. In a communication system of the character described for reproducinga tabulating card or the like having dfata arranged thereon in the formof indications, the card having a plurality of columns each containing aplurality of positions, the combination of means for intermittentlymoving said card longitudinally a distance corresponding to the spacingof said columns to bring each column successively into a scanningposition, and means traversing the card at right angles to the directionof movement thereof for scanning the positions of each column while thecard is stationary in scanning position.

15. A communication system of the charac described for reproducing atabulating card or thelikehavingdataarrangedthereoninthe form ofindications, the card having a plurality of columns each containing aplurality of positions, comprising means for moving said cardintermittently corresponding to the spacing of said columns, means forscanning the positions of each column while the card is stationary inscanning position, means for transmitting timed signals corresponding toeach movement of the card, and means controlled by said scanning meansfor transmitting nals intermediate said timed signals in accordance withthe positions of said indications on the card, a recorder having a blankcard, means at said recorder for receiving said signals, means forfeeding said card forward intermittently corresponding to the spacing ofthe columns on said tabulating card, means controlled in response tosaid timed signals for controlling said feeding means to cause feed ofsaid blank card in accordance with movement of said tabulating card, andmeans actuated in response to said intermediate signals for controllingsaid recorder to reproduce on said blank card the indications on saidtabulating card.

16. A remote controlled card punching mechanism of the characterdescribed having a blank card comprising means .for receiving periodicsynchronizing signals and aperiodic control signals, card punching meansincluding a plurality of punches at diflerent spaced points, feedingmeans controlled in response to said periodic signals for feeding saidblank card into punching position with respect to said punchingmeans,and means controlled in response to said aperiodic signals for effectingselective operation of said punches.

17. A communication system of the character described for reproducing atabulating card or the like comprising a record card having a pluralityof columns with data arranged in the form of predetermined indicationsin such columns. means for scanning said card, means controlled by saidscanning means for transmitting signals in accordance with the positionof said indications, and selectively operable means for causing the onof signals in response to indications in only predetermined ones of saidcolumns.

18. A communication system of, the character described for reproducing atabulating card or the like comprising a record card having a pluralityof columns with data arranged in the form of predetermined indications,in such columns, means for scanning said card, means controlled by saidthe like comprising a record card having a pin rality of columns withdata arranged in the form of predetermined indications in such columns,meansfor scanning the indications on said card.

- feeding means for feeding said card intermittently by'a column widthinto scanning relation with said scanning means, and selective meansmovable with said feeding means for controlling the operation of thescanning means to render said means non-responsive to selected columnsof said plurality of columns.

man! J. mcnons;

